What Is a Centipede Bite?
A centipede sting occurs when the arthropod bites into human skin with its forcipules, modified front legs with venom glands, to penetrate the skin. Centipede venom effects is that it paralyze prey with venom, not to defend against stinging or biting insects. Defensive biting will occur when threatened. centipede sting vs bite are different. Despite being mistakenly referred to as a sting, a centipede bite is actually a venom injection with these claw-like appendages.
Centipedes only bite when provoked or touched. Centipede bites are more common in temperate, tropical climates with larger centipedes. The house centipede and other similar smaller centipedes also bite human beings, though such bites are less common and harmless.
Symptoms of a Centipede Bite
Symptoms of a centipede bite vary depending on the species and sensitivity to the venom of the individual. Most individuals have localized symptoms that include:
- Severe stabbing pain at the site of the bite
- Swelling and redness of the skin
- Itching or burning sensation
- Bruising or tenderness of the area
- Two small puncture marks
Other individuals develop centipede bite swelling that cross the involved area. Pain is short-lived, lasting for several days or hours.
Potential Risks of a Centipede Bite
While infrequent and not usually life-threatening, centipede bites can be irritating in specific situations. Venom presentations of centipedes can cause system-wide symptoms or allergy-like reactions in hypersensitive individuals. Large centipede species of the order, e.g., the giant centipede (Scolopendra), deliver more venom and more toxic presentations.
Complications that can occur are:
- Allergic reaction to centipede bite (hives, rash, shortness of breath)
- Bacterial infection or scratch from a centipede bite
- Fever, dizziness, or nausea
- Red streaking or lymphangitis from the bite
Is centipede bite dangerous, then? Not typically, but worth watching the symptoms, especially in children, the aged, or the immunocompromised. Bite of giant centipede is worse and evokes a more severe reaction than by smaller kinds.
First Aid on Centipede Bite
Knowing what to do if a centipede bites you, goes a long way in managing pain and preventing complications. The below is a checklist on a centipede first aid bite:
- Shower with soap and water so as not to acquire infection.
- Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling and numb the tissue.
- Take an over-the-counter drug like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Topical hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine can be used to relieve itching or redness.
- Elevate the extremity, if bitten on an extremity.
- Avoid scratching to prevent secondary infection.
In exacerbation of symptoms or no improvement in 48 hours, refer medical assessment.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
Most centipede bites are treated at home. In the following conditions, however, seek a doctor immediately:
- Allergic reaction symptoms, such as shortness of breath, hives, or swelling of the face
- More pain and swelling, or swelling that is bigger
- Fever, chills, or pus, and this indicates infection
- Bite of an exotic centipede or tropical centipede bite
- If bitten by a centipede and you are immunocompromised or pregnant
Children should also be treated immediately because they are more sensitive to venom due to their size.
Various Medical Treatment Approaches
If home remedies fail or symptoms worsen, professional assistance can be recommended by the physician. The following are the most common centipede bite treatment administered in hospitals:
- Antihistamines in the event of allergic reaction
- Antibiotics in the event of centipede bite infection due to wound
- Steroid cream in the event of excessive swelling
- Tetanus injection in the event of deep wound and uncertain tetanus status
- Intravenous hydration or hospitalization very rarely in the event of systemic symptoms
Doctors also differentiate a centipede bite from a sting when they make a diagnosis based on the wound's appearance and symptoms.
Precautions Against Centipede Bite
Prevention is merely reducing your likelihood of being bitten by centipedes indoors or outdoors. Take care of yourself with these tips:
- Seal cracks and crevices on windows, doors, and walls
- Keep indoor rooms dry and clutter-free, as centipedes prefer wet areas
- Remove clear woodpiles, rocks, and other trash from the area around your home
- Gloves should be worn when handling plants or handling garbage outside
- Designate areas where tropical centipede infestation exists as barefoot zones
- Use insect repellent if you are where centipedes infest
Caution around you and taking some precautions can minimize the chance for being bitten by a large extent.
Read More: What is Frostbite?
How Long Does a Centipede Bite Last
Most centipede stings are self-limiting and will clear within 24 to 48 hours. Some patients will experience symptoms for a week if the skin was unclean or if it is a larger organism. The pain will be greatest in a few hours and then gradually disappear. If symptoms persist, especially centipede bite pain scale of moderate to severe bite pain, a health professional should be consulted to rule out complications.
Conclusion
While startling, centipede bite is rarely a cause for alarm. For most, symptoms are tender and can be treated with remedies at home. Understanding what is centipede bite, keeping an eye open for signs of complications, and proper management of centipede bite could be a lifesaver. Don't miss first aid for centipede bite as your initial priority, and don't delay going to the doctor if symptoms worsen.
Regardless of whether you are treating the basement house centipede or a giant centipede bite in the tropics, knowledge and preparation protect you. Centipede bites do not have to be scary with preventive medication and timely treatment.
Please book an appointment with the best General Physician in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.
